A social media star from Turkey, famous for his colourful portraits of some of the world’s biggest celebrities, has been sharing what it’s like to spend Christmas for the first time in the UK since moving for his studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).

Nineteen-year-old Emre Süner, known online as Mr Creative, has more than 85,000 followers on Instagram, his how-to-draw tutorial videos on YouTube have been streamed hundreds of thousands of times and the artist counts popstar Rihanna among his fans. Furthermore, an abstract picture he drew of musician Taylor Swift went truly viral in 2015 when it was shared by her friend and actress Sarah Hyland and model Dominic Sherwood – who appeared in Swift’s ‘Style’ video – on Twitter.

Born and raised in the small southern Turkish city of Antakya, Emre moved with his family to live in Doha, Qatar in 2009, where he first discovered his talent for art. Earlier this year, Emre moved to the UK to study an Undergraduate Pathway in Architecture before he plans to embark on a degree in Architecture at Birmingham City University.

Emre Süner said: “I know I come from a warm country and my family now live in the Middle East, but I really love the cold! The festive period is always a special time of year no matter where you are in the world, but with the recent snowfall in the UK it has truly felt like Christmas here in Birmingham.

“I am really enjoying all the food that accompanies this time of year in the UK too! The BCUIC campus is situated in the beautiful Birmingham suburb of Bournville, right next to the world-famous Cadbury chocolate factory, so I am literally surrounded by sweet treats all day long.

“I’m certainly not getting homesick though, as the Christmas lights here in the UK are just as big and bold as the ones used to decorate Turkish homes at this time of year, and the displays in Birmingham remind me of my childhood and how we still celebrate New Year back home.

“Being in the UK, it still feels like a dream. I am loving my life at Birmingham City University and, getting to explore the history and culture of the UK in my spare time, is really inspiring for my art.”

In order to keep his online fans in-the-loop, Emre has been documenting his first Christmas in Birmingham, along with his other offline adventures in the UK, on his YouTube channel.

Self-taught, Emre spent six months crafting his abilities before he first posted one of his pencil drawings – a human eye – online in 2011. Since then, he has developed a distinctive style which reflects his interest in popular culture, music and movies – with his art depicting stars such as Justin Timberlake, Cara Delevingne and Eddie Redmayne, or paying homage to films such as ‘Jurassic World’, ‘Interstellar’ and the ‘Star Wars’ saga.

On his growing popularity online, Emre Süner said: “I think people enjoy my art because it reflects my personality as much as it showcases a skill. I take inspiration from pop culture and everyday experiences, so lots of people can relate to it, no matter where in the world they come from.

“There’s lots of hidden messages peppered throughout my work and I think people like to find the Easter eggs I’ve added as well and try to work out what they might mean.”

Thinking about his plans for 2018, Emre wishes to continue his art alongside his academic studies and hopes in the future he gets the chance to collaborate with some of the artists he has drawn.

He added: “I would love to design tour merchandise for someone like Justin Timberlake, but in the meantime, I will continue to draw, write and direct videos, as my creative outlets give me such joy personally and I am just blessed that others enjoy it so much too.

“As well as preparing me for a successful career, my studies at BCUIC are also helping me develop my skills and absorb new experiences, and I am truly grateful for all the exciting opportunities my life in Birmingham is providing me with.”

City of Wolverhampton’s inaugural Victorian Christmas Market has been hailed a success – and will return next year on December 14, 15 and 16.

More than 15,000 people attended the event in the heart of the city from Friday to Sunday – generating around £200,000 for the local business economy.

Families enjoyed the festive fun and snapped up Christmas goodies from more than 100 stalls during the three-day market, delivered by City of Wolverhampton Council’s approved market operator, LSD Promotions.

The whole event was set to the backdrop of a Victorian funfair and the offer included a variety of traditional and international street food, local produce, seasonal handcrafted and home-baked goodies, bespoke Christmas decorations and holly wreaths, festive novelties and exclusive gifts, accessories and jewellery.

Entertainment included street artists, choirs, vocalists, instrumental performances, chimney sweeps, dance displays, and Victorian themed stilt walkers.

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Environment, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “This was the largest festive market the city has seen and it was wonderful to see it attract thousands of visitors – and boost the local economy.

“There was a great atmosphere around the market over the three days with people of all ages enjoying a variety of stalls offering festive goodies, plenty of food and drink, and fun activities at this special time of year.

“We now intend to build on the success of this year when the market returns next winter.”

Organiser Dermot McGillicuddy, LSD Promotions Director, added: "We are proud to have helped the council deliver such a fabulous event, which we hope will be the first of many over the years.”

This time last year, 6,339 people in the West Midlands spent the colder months homeless. In an effort to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness during winter – and the Christmas season - the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has joined forces with property industry charity, LandAid to launch a campaign to deliver more bed spaces for young homeless people in the region.

As part of RICS’s 150th anniversary in 2018, the campaign known as Pledge150 will see RICS - alongside those working in the region’s built environment - raise £2.25 million by December 2018 for LandAid. This money will be used to fund the creation of at least 150 bed spaces for young people at risk of homelessness.

Matthew Howell, RICS Managing Director, UK & Ireland commented: “The winter months are often the most difficult for young people who are homeless, and sadly, as temperatures plummet those who are forced to sleep rough are at an even greater risk of harm, and even death. It is our hope with this campaign that we can make a real positive change to young vulnerable people’s lives by providing them with a safe, secure and affordable place to live.”

Over the last five years, LandAid has raised over £7million to fund accommodation projects for young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, giving them the chance to rebuild their lives after gaining safe and secure accommodation.

One such person is Chaleka who despite working could not afford local rent. The lack of affordable housing in Birmingham means that many young people, like Chaleka, simply can’t find anywhere suitable to live. Local Charity, St Basils is working to change this situation with their Live and Work Scheme.

The scheme, aimed at young people like Chaleka, looks to help young people who are homeless even when they are in work or education. Now living in a shared flat with other people just like her Chaleka has been given the support network she needs, help to learn valuable life skills and because the rent is affordable the opportunity to save for a deposit for her own home.

Chaleka commented: I’ve lived in St Basils Live and Work for over a year and think this scheme has really worked for me. There is always honest support if and when I need it and the staff her are amazing. I share my flat with other young professionals so we all have similar goals. The Live and Work Scheme is a great scheme for any young professional that has determination and wants to succeed.”

Paul Morrish, CEO LandAid adds: “There are thousands of young people living in overcrowded accommodation or sofa surfing – just like Chaleka, but no one counts them, or keeps records of how many people are suffering as they were. Homelessness is a much bigger issue than rough sleeping – especially for young people. We aim to get as many young people without a safe place to call home, in to secure, affordable accommodation. So, we are delighted to be teaming up with RICS in what is our biggest ever fundraising campaign to end youth homelessness.”

RICS plans to raise funds for the Pledge150 campaign at a variety of corporate events and challenges in the West Midlands, and through staff and partner university initiatives in the region. Those working in the West Midlands’ land, property and construction sectors are also being encouraged to join in and think big, in terms of their fundraising activities and in helping to publicise the campaign.

Matthew Howell of RICS commented: “Individuals as well as companies can get involved with fundraising, or even make Pledge150 their ‘giving something back’ initiative. As part of this campaign, property professionals are also being encouraged to consider providing pro bono property advice to help local charities supporting disadvantaged people, including those experiencing homelessness.”

New artist’s impressions showcasing the future of City of Wolverhampton’s railway station as part of the wider Interchange area have been revealed.

The images come with contractors, Galliford Try, having started early site works before Christmas to prepare for the start of demolition of the existing railway station in May.

Galliford Try - one of the UK’s leading construction groups, responsible for Birmingham’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire - will also build the new railway station.

This phase of the £150 million Wolverhampton Interchange project also includes the already-completed new railway station entrance from Corn Hill and multi-storey car park extension, as well as the continuation of the Midland Metro line extension works to the railway station.

The development news comes in addition to the announcement last week that the West Midlands railway network has been put in the hands of West Midlands Rail – a consortium of 16 local councils, working in close collaboration with the Department for Transport.

This will bring a near £1 billion investment in regional services over the next eight years that will mean more space on trains, more frequent services and better facilities for passengers.

The Wolverhampton railway station development will put the city in the best position to capitalise on the new franchise, and, prior to Christmas, Galliford Try will continue enabling works, including the removal of trees at the bottom of Railway Drive.

The loss of these trees will be mitigated by the installation of a giant green wall in front of the existing multi-storey car park and new tree planters, with plans for further planting on site.

The Banana Yard, which train companies staff previously used for staff car parking, will also be fenced off in readiness.

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor John Reynolds, said: “The Wolverhampton Interchange Partnership has worked hard to get to this point.

“Everything is now in place to begin the main station works early next year and people will soon start seeing big changes on site.

“We can all look forward to the emergence of an iconic railway station befitting of the city.

“There is £3.7 billion of investment currently on site or in the pipeline across Wolverhampton.

“As part of this regeneration it is crucial visitors to our city get the best first impression possible and their travel experience is enhanced - this new state-of-the-art station will deliver that.”

The new station building is expected to be completed in 2020.

It will benefit from an enhanced Birmingham New Street-style ticket office, larger passenger concourse, ample ticket barriers to ease flow onto and off platforms, and much improved retail and café facilities.

Steve Parry, Managing Director of ION Development, added: “As the work at the railway station gets underway, it is a pleasure to unveil the vision of the full masterplan through these new images.

“They depict how the transformation of the railway station and surrounding area will offer a brilliant first impression - welcoming those arriving by train to Wolverhampton and showcasing this entrance to the city.”

Melanie Bryett, Interchange Project Manager for Virgin Trains, added: “The new images really bring the plans for the new-look station alive. There’s a real sense of excitement as we work together to give the city a station to be proud of.”

The first phase of the Wolverhampton Interchange project included the construction of a new £22.5 million state-of-the-art bus station on Pipers Row to replace the old one.

Stephanie Bloxham, 34, has spoken of the kindness her family received from Birmingham’s John Taylor Hospice as she backs an appeal to fund care services on Christmas Day.

The Gift a Christmas campaign hopes to raise £15,000 – enough to fund hospice running costs on 25 December. Stephanie, from Sutton Coldfield, is lending her support to the festive fundraising appeal to say thank you for the comfort John Taylor staff brought to her father Peter.

Stephanie was only 16 years old when her father, Peter Bloxham, was diagnosed with lung cancer after discovering a lump in his neck. Following the devastating news that the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes Peter, a registrar at Birmingham Register Office, was referred to John Taylor Hospice in Erdington for palliative care and practical support.

Stephanie explains: “He received hospice care at home and was also an in-patient several times including at Christmas in 1999. The hospice staff were incredible and they made a very difficult time as bearable as possible.”

Dad-of-three Peter died at John Taylor Hospice surrounded by his family in April 2000, aged 42. “Dad was an amazing man, so lovely, friendly, kind and caring,” said Stephanie, a Development Worker with Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC). “He was always cheerful and fun. We shared many special memories and our Christmases together were always wonderful. He was devoted to his family and had a really big heart.

“We’ll always be grateful to John Taylor Hospice as they were fantastic, especially in the last few days. They were so understanding, very supportive and caring. They always ensured Dad was looked after and made as comfortable as possible. Nothing was ever too much trouble – they’re fantastic people and that’s why I’m supporting the Gift a Christmas campaign.”

Earlier this year, Stephanie and her brothers Mark, 39, and Andrew, 36, raised an impressive £2,536 for the hospice by hosting a fundraising birthday party to commemorate what would have been their dad’s 60^th birthday.

“We’ll continue to support the hospice as much as possible,” added Stephanie. “We want to make sure other families, just like ours, are able to receive this excellent care and emotional support at a time when they need it most. I really hope in sharing our story people can see what an incredible difference the hospice makes in our community and choose to get behind the Gift a Christmas appeal.”

Kerry McGrath, Community Fundraising Manager at John Taylor, said: “Christmas is a special time for many people and, just like we do every day of the year, we help make every moment matter for families. Our care is free to people who need it but it costs £15,000 a day to provide these services. That’s why we rely so much upon the kindness and generosity of wonderful supporters like Stephanie and her family.

“We’ve set up a Gift a Christmas JustGiving page where people can make a donation and leave a message. We understand that the festive season is an expensive time but any amount people can afford to donate will make a lasting difference to those living with a terminal illness and their families.”